Intel Report 5/16/24: Live Weekend Reading UVA Coaches Eye Recruits Over Spring Live Period Next UVA Basketball Portal Season Takeaways

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UVA Coaches Eye Recruits Over Spring Live Period

UVA Coaches Eye Recruits Over Spring Live Period

Virginia coaches were on the road all weekend as part of the spring live evaluation period.  They attended AAU events, checking on top targets in the 2025 class and evaluating new ones.  

The major AAU circuits, sponsored by shoe companies, are always the main draw during these weekends.  Indianapolis hosted the Nike EYBL, the Under Armour Association event was held in Ohio, the Adidas 3SSB circuit in Texas, and the Puma Pro 16 in Wichita.  Virginia had four assistant coaches on the road, and they were spotted in all those locations.  

Tight Fit

After loading up on young transfers this spring, UVA doesn’t have much room left for 2025 recruits.  There are only two scholarships available for the November signing period.  Bennett seems intent on adding one guard and one forward in his 2025 class. 

 

Judging by the range of players being evaluated over the weekend, look for UVA to cast a fairly wide net.  With no real immediate needs, they can consider players of all positions and varieties. 

Current Crop

At least so far, the recent addition of Dai Dai Ames is not interrupting the pursuit of point guards.  UVA assistant coaches were on hand to see St. Anne’s Belfield (VA) point guard Chance Mallory in Ohio and Sidwell (DC) floor general Acaden Lewis in Indy.  Both are having a terrific spring.  Maryland and Tennessee are among the other teams in the mix for Mallory, while Lewis recently added offers from Michigan and Syracuse. 

 

 

Gonzaga (DC) combo guard Derek Dixon had UVA’s Jason Williford in attendance multiple times this weekend in Indy.  The Hoos are battling Pittsburgh for him.  And UVA’s Ron Sanchez checked on Bullis School (MD) guard Adrien Stevens at the Under Armour event in Ohio.  Marquette seems to be the frontrunner for Stevens. 

Highland School (VA) jumbo wing Nate Ament will be even harder to get after this weekend.  He put on a show in Texas with coaches from every blue blood program in attendance.  UVA’s Isaiah Wilkins was around all weekend.  

 

 

Williford was courtside to check on top forward target London Jemison of St. Thomas More (CT).  Providence and Syracuse have been the main early competition, although there will surely be new offers coming.  And assistant Johnny Carpenter started the weekend off in Wichita, where he watched Harvard Westlake (CA) forward Nikolas Khamenia.  UVA, Gonzaga, and UCLA are the main three for him. 

New Names

UVA’s Isaiah Wilkins was courtside for every Indiana Elite game this weekend in Texas.  Guard Braylon Mullins is the reason.  He’s been one of the best players on the Adidas circuit, averaging about 20 points and shooting nearly 50% from three.  In-state schools Indiana and Notre Dame are heavily recruiting him.  There will be a lot of new offers coming his way soon, most likely including one from Virginia.  

 

 

Assistant Ron Sanchez eyed a pair of fast rising guards in Ohio.  He was courtside for Colorado Prep point guard Josiah Sanders. .After posting eye popping spring stats, Sanders picked up a new Tennessee offer.   And Huntsville (AL) combo guard Simon Walker got a long look too. He looks primed for a summer blow up. 

Another guard to possibly know, Riviera Prep (FL) combo Dante Allen.  Coach Williford saw him play a couple times in Indy.  Villanova and Notre Dame are among the teams in contention for him.  

Christ School (NC) power forward Zymicah Wilkins has mentioned UVA involvement.  They were courtside to watch him this weekend in Indy.  And on Sunday afternoon, Williford took a look at suddenly popular stretch forward Brady Koehler out of Cathedral (IN), Armaan Franklin’s school.  

Sanchez also checked out developing Chaplin (TX) big man Jayden Leverett, one of the best shot blockers in the class. 

What’s Next

High school recruiting is the main focus again. The next couple months will be a busy time, between more evaluation periods and some June visitors likely mixed in.  Now that this live period is in the rear view, many 2025 recruits will start inching forward in their decision making process.  

Look for UVA to make a push during that time with the current group, while also continuing to evaluate new ones for the next round.  We’ll have it covered all offseason long on Locker Room Access.

(Featured Image Credit: Sam Lance) 

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